Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday announced sweeping reductions in tariff rates at Gwadar Port aimed at strengthening the deep-sea facility’s position as a competitive regional logistics and transhipment hub.

In a statement, the minister said the revised policy is designed to significantly increase transit and international transhipment container traffic through Gwadar, attract global shipping lines, and enhance overall port activity.

“Under the revised tariff structure, berthing fees for container vessels and ships carrying transit or transhipment cargo have been reduced by 25 per cent. Charges on international transhipment container cargo have been slashed by 40 per cent, while transit container cargo charges have been cut by 31 per cent,” he said.

In a major incentive aimed at improving cargo handling efficiency, the port will also provide one month of free storage for general cargo, compared to the standard five-day allowance at other national ports.

“These incentives take effect immediately, and further adjustments will be reviewed in phases based on operational data and market response,” the minister added, noting that cargo trends, regional competition, and sustainability considerations would guide future revisions.

Juniad Chaudhry said the measures form part of a broader strategy to transform Gwadar into a competitive, investor-friendly, and modern deep-sea port serving as a strategic gateway for trade with Central Asia, the Middle East, East Africa, and beyond.

He said that amid rising demand for low-cost and congestion-free shipping routes, Gwadar is well placed to capture a larger share of regional trade flows.

The revised tariff regime, he added, is expected to reduce operational costs for shipping lines, encourage new transhipment and feeder services, and increase cargo throughput.

“This initiative will stimulate economic activity in the country, generate employment opportunities, and expand Pakistan’s logistics and maritime sectors,” Junaid Chaudhry said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Gwadar Port, Noorul Haq Baloch, has said that significant growth in employment opportunities is expected in Balochistan as the newly introduced tariff structure is set to boost commercial activity.

In a statement, the Gwadar Port chairman noted that reduced fees and improved facilities will attract both local and international investors, accelerating economic development in the region and creating new job opportunities.